Dish anxiety

[Moonglo]

So, the bachelorette party for my friend is this Friday night. I think I have decided to show up after dinner and not spend the night, mainly because I have been so sick lately. Here's the deal though: now the host is saying we each need to bring a dish to share. Not that I mind contributing... but this friend of mine, and her hostess friend too, have a bit of a taste for sophisticated foods that I don't like, and thus I am sure they would scoff anything I would think to bring. I mean, for crying out loud, she had couscous and ka-bobs for a 4th of July meal lol.

And I can't just do something simple... the hostess said we needed to be creative! She should know from my recipe cards that she had us fill out for the bridal shower that I don't cook. My husband jokingly filled mine out for me, and the recipes ended up being large pizza, chicken tenders, and hot pockets lol.

I don't want to take something that is stereotypically me, (aka kiddie food), but I don't want to take something that I won't enjoy either. And it needs to be something d friendly so I know I'll have at least one thing there I can eat. I would be a little less worried about this for the evening, but I haven't been eating right while I've been sick, and plus dh's birthday is this weekend too, and I don't plan to be super strict during his birthday dinner either... so I need to be careful.

Help!

[Granny Shanny]

What would be the best course to consider . . . entreé, dessert, side dish? Or does it matter?

(y'know you've hit me right where I live, right?! :D :D :D)

[foxl]

Chicken cheese enchiladas, using low-carb tortillas? (oh they may scowl at those ... ).

But, it can be put together using canned chilis and enchilada sauce! And yet seems like quite a nice, finished dish. And RICH!

[Moonglo]

lol... well, I'm skipping the spaghetti dinner, so I'd say either side dish/snack or dessert

[Abra]

Moonglo, how about these chicken wings http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes/42991-help-with-test-results.html#post494241 You can eat them happily, and so will everybody else. They're really good.

[princesslinda]

Bring the salad. Tomato, Basil and Feta Salad....easy and looks good in a pretty glass bowl, and most people like it.

-Take 2 of the little crates of grape tomatoes and cut in half
-2 small cucumbers, peeled, quartered lengthwise and chopped
-6 green onions, chopped (white part and all)
1/2 cup fresh basil cut into little strips

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Toss together.

*******************************************

Or...spinach maria, easy and good! This is a T/Giving side dish I make each year.

Spinach Maria
2 pk frozen chopped spinach
1 pk 8 oz cream cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon butter
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions for Spinach Maria
Cook spinach according to directions, drain very well (I let cool, then squeeze out the water in a paper towel or cheesecloth). Saute onion in butter until tender. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add spinach, parmesan cheese, and pepper. Cook several minutes more until well blended. Placed in greased casserole dish and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until browned on top. Cover with shredded cheddar cheese.

[Moonglo]

Moonglo, how about these chicken wings http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes/42991-help-with-test-results.html#post494241 You can eat them happily, and so will everybody else. They're really good.

Oh, Abra... you may have just made my day. That's a great idea! I'm definitely still open to other suggestions though...

The salad and the enchiladas sound great too. Thanks guys.

[Granny Shanny]

These meatballs could be made appetizer-size (about an inch or less) & served with toothpicks. They can be made ahead of time & if you have a slow-cooker, that's what I'd use for the serving dish. If you doubled the recipe, it would prob'ly make 3 or 4 dozen small meatballs.

Mom's Meatballs & Cream Gravy (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/recipes/43574-mom-s-meatballs-cream.html#post499017)

1 cup pork rind crumbs
1/3 cup cream
1/4 cup minced onion
1 pound ground beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
------
2 tbsp. flour
2 tsp. beef bouillon
2 cups cream
water as needed

Combine first eight ingredients, mixing well, & shape into balls.

Brown meatballs in a bit of butter, turning to brown evenly, and then remove from skillet.

Add flour to skillet drippings & blend until smooth. Cook this roux for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

Add bouillon granules to the roux, followed by the cream & about 1/2 cup water, blending well as bouillon dissolves. Continue cooking & stirring until gravy begins to thicken.

Return meatballs to the skillet, reduce heat, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, until meatballs cook through. Add water if needed to maintain desired consistency.

[Granny Shanny]

Moonglo, how about these chicken wings http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes/42991-help-with-test-results.html#post494241 You can eat them happily, and so will everybody else. They're really good.

Oh my YES! Make these, Courtney! I don't think I ever reported back after I tried them, but they're terrific!!! We did exactly what Abra suggested originally - eat with abandon! :D :D :D

[Mich]

Hey Moonglo,

Here's a killer appetizer. Foodies and tailgaters alike go for it and it's easy to prepare, diabetes friendly (NOT low cal) and looks beautiful and sophisticated. You'll get an instant reputation.

Pick out a nice looking shallow pan (I use a red enamel coated cast iron one) In the pan, glop up 1/3 chopped canned artichoke hearts, 1/3 shredded parmesan cheese and 1/3 mayonaise. Put it in the oven at about 375 until it browns and bubbles. (If you think this sounds terrible, wait until you taste it.)

While it's baking, slice up a long sourdoough baguette and slice some celery, cukes and red peppers into dipping size. Arrange them on a plate, take the pan out of the oven and wrap it in foil, then a bath towel and you're on your way.

I put a serving spoon in it and serve the dip, bread, veggies and little plates. Even low carbers can have it on veggies.

Mich

[Moonglo]

Thanks Mich! That sounds delish!!! :)

[e||ement]

depending on how many people there are...
you could make mini-crustless quiches.

very D-friendly, very delish and low fat, and elegant looking.

beat one small carton of egg whites (1 cup)
add in one large tub of cottage cheese
dice up whatever veggies, etc you like (try roasted red pepper, mushrooms, spinach)
add in some grated cheese (cheddar or whatever)
pour into muffin tins or mini-muffin tins (use liner cups if you like)
top with parmesan and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs
bake at 375...probably about 20-25 minutes but you'll know when they are done.

i eat this every DAY for lunch and i don't have to bolus for it.

[Chef Barrae]

Hey Moonglo,

Here's a killer appetizer. Foodies and tailgaters alike go for it and it's easy to prepare, diabetes friendly (NOT low cal) and looks beautiful and sophisticated. You'll get an instant reputation.

Pick out a nice looking shallow pan (I use a red enamel coated cast iron one) In the pan, glop up 1/3 chopped canned artichoke hearts, 1/3 shredded parmesan cheese and 1/3 mayonaise. Put it in the oven at about 375 until it browns and bubbles. (If you think this sounds terrible, wait until you taste it.)

While it's baking, slice up a long sourdoough baguette and slice some celery, cukes and red peppers into dipping size. Arrange them on a plate, take the pan out of the oven and wrap it in foil, then a bath towel and you're on your way.

I put a serving spoon in it and serve the dip, bread, veggies and little plates. Even low carbers can have it on veggies.

Mich

Try adding some crab meat and a dash of chayenne pepper to that mixture and you just about have a classic Crab and Artichoke Dip. Sprinkle the top with a little extra parmesan cheese to make a nice crust. My clients adored that dip!

[Joeprep4820]

Ever think of making some Welsh Rarebit with some low carb toast points for dipping? Great yet different appetizer.

[GretchO]

So, the bachelorette party for my friend is this Friday night. I think I have decided to show up after dinner and not spend the night, mainly because I have been so sick lately. Here's the deal though: now the host is saying we each need to bring a dish to share. Not that I mind contributing... but this friend of mine, and her hostess friend too, have a bit of a taste for sophisticated foods that I don't like, and thus I am sure they would scoff anything I would think to bring. I mean, for crying out loud, she had couscous and ka-bobs for a 4th of July meal lol.

And I can't just do something simple... the hostess said we needed to be creative! She should know from my recipe cards that she had us fill out for the bridal shower that I don't cook. My husband jokingly filled mine out for me, and the recipes ended up being large pizza, chicken tenders, and hot pockets lol.

I don't want to take something that is stereotypically me, (aka kiddie food), but I don't want to take something that I won't enjoy either. And it needs to be something d friendly so I know I'll have at least one thing there I can eat. I would be a little less worried about this for the evening, but I haven't been eating right while I've been sick, and plus dh's birthday is this weekend too, and I don't plan to be super strict during his birthday dinner either... so I need to be careful.

Help!

I don't have any particular advice about exactly what to bring, but did want to say that my circle of friends can have foo foo tastes in food too, but will be happy eating just about anything when it comes down to it. Most Friday nights we all get together and sometimes it's foo foo food, other times it's Krapas (krappy tapas - lil smokies, anything fried, etc.). Everything always gets eaten and everyone's happy. Don't sweat this...

[Annabell1959]

Hey Moonglo,

Here's a killer appetizer. Foodies and tailgaters alike go for it and it's easy to prepare, diabetes friendly (NOT low cal) and looks beautiful and sophisticated. You'll get an instant reputation.

Pick out a nice looking shallow pan (I use a red enamel coated cast iron one) In the pan, glop up 1/3 chopped canned artichoke hearts, 1/3 shredded parmesan cheese and 1/3 mayonaise. Put it in the oven at about 375 until it browns and bubbles. (If you think this sounds terrible, wait until you taste it.)

While it's baking, slice up a long sourdoough baguette and slice some celery, cukes and red peppers into dipping size. Arrange them on a plate, take the pan out of the oven and wrap it in foil, then a bath towel and you're on your way.

I put a serving spoon in it and serve the dip, bread, veggies and little plates. Even low carbers can have it on veggies.

Mich

Or I've had this with a little spinach. Very, very yummy!

[jkane13]

Cut some tenderloin very thin. Take some half cooked bacon and red and yellow peppers. Place slices of the bacon and peppers on each peice. Roll them up and stick a toothpick in them. Add a little Worcestershire sauce or whatever you like that sounds good.

Put them in the oven until the meat is brown. Like 5-15 minutes. I do this on a grill, and it depends on the heat and wind speed! Last weekend, it was like 35 MPH winds, and I think it took about 30 minutes to get them done. :eek:

If there is someone you don't like in the crowd, or if there is someone who really likes hot food, make a couple with habanero peppers instead. Make sure those go to the "right" guest though. :cool:

If you really want to get fancy ... bake or fry all the ingredients separate making sure to brown the peppers a little. Then roll them together with cream cheese and a tiny dill pickle. The pickle makes for an interesting crunch and flavor, and EVERYTHING is better with cream cheese!